Rubber Division, ACS, ACE Laboratories and Endurica will join major players in the global rubber industry at DKT IRC 2021 from 27-30 June 2022 in Nuremberg, Germany. 

All three will showcase their services, products, training and future events in Hall 9 Pavillion 104, a 36 sq m exhibition stand organised by UK marketing consultancy Rubber Heart, who will also be exhibiting for the first time since the company was established at the start of 2020. 

The consultancy said in a statement that it is the European Representative of Rubber Division, ACS, European marketing partners to ACE Laboratories and Endurica and is also the marketing and sales representative for FGV Rubber Industries in Malaysia, which produces FGV ENR and FGV DPNR. Information on modified natural rubbers will be also available on the booth, it said. 

David Cawthra, Director, Rubber Heart, said, “It’s been a long time since the rubber industry has been able to meet up and we are delighted that we are able to join our partners and the 250 exhibitors and 3000 expected participants in Nuremberg for DKT IRC 2021. We are excited that events are back and value even more how they can make you immediately feel part of a bigger picture and drive collaboration, partnerships and innovation that can only be of benefit for the whole industry.” 

DKT is organised by the Deutsche Kautschuk-Gesellschaft e. V. (DKG - German Rubber Society) and is Europe’s most important international event for the rubber industry that takes place every three years. DKG is a member of the International Rubber Conference Organisation (IRCO), a worldwide association of rubber societies who between them host the annual International Rubber Conference (IRC). 

Rubber Division, ACS is also an IRCO member and will next host the IRC in 2027. Lakisha Miller-Barclay, Executive Director and CEO will be on hand at the pavillion to talk to visitors about membership, education and training programmes as well as opportunities available at the International Elastomer Conference from 10 to 13 October 2022 in Knoxville, TN. 

ACE Laboratories provides independent rubber and silicone product and material testing, analysis and development services from its ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory in Ohio, USA. CEO Erick Sharp will meet with ACE’s international customers that include many leading global players in the rubber industry, as well as introducing ACE’s rapidly growing portfolio of services, it said. 

Endurica is a world leader in solutions for managing the durability of elastomeric products. Its fatigue life simulation software, testing and material characterisation services are relied upon by manufacturers across the globe for right-on-the-first-try product development programmes. Engineering Analyst Mark Bauman will talk in-depth to all those interested in exploring further how Endurica can get rubber products to market faster. 

Cawthra said, “There is certainly a real buzz in the industry about this event. There should be something for everyone in Hall 9 Pavilion 104, so come and see us all to find out about Rubber Heart and our partners and what we are all doing for the rubber industry! We look forward to meeting you there.” (TT)

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Ironman Tires, a brand owned by Hercules Tire and Rubber Company (HTR), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Tire Distributors, has unveiled the iMOVE Sport G2, a next generation all season ultra-high-performance tyre crafted for modern sport sedans, performance crossovers and select electric vehicles. This launch responds directly to shifting demands in the automotive market.

Building on the original iMOVE Gen2 A/S, the new model features an advanced tread compound, a refined tread pattern and better durability. It offers confident traction on both dry and wet roads, extended tread life and a quieter, more comfortable ride. Priced competitively, it helps dealers gain ground in the rapidly growing Tier 4 performance tyre segment. The asymmetrical tread layout balances precision handling with daily comfort, using large outer shoulder blocks for cornering stability and a continuous centre rib for straight line control. Strategically placed 3D siping and angled grooves push water away from the contact patch to improve wet and light snow traction, while a variable pitch tread sequence cuts road noise for commutes or long trips.

A new generation rubber compound reduces heat buildup and extends tread life by managing frictional heat and optimising rubber density, which also boosts fuel efficiency. The tyre is EV ready, designed to handle the higher torque and weight of electric vehicles. Available in 17 sizes for 18- to 21-inch rim diameters, 16 sizes will arrive by early May, with the first eight ready now. Several emerging sizes new to the Ironman lineup give dealers fresh sales opportunities.

Competitive pricing and dedicated merchandising support help dealers grow their share in the value-oriented performance tyre segment while maintaining strong inventory and fill rates. The iMOVE Sport G2 comes with a 5-year limited protection policy covering workmanship and materials, road hazard protection and a 50,000-mile (approximately 80,467-km) warranty.

Keith Calcagno, Chief Strategy Officer, Proprietary Brands, American Tire Distributors, said, “The ultra‑high‑performance tyre market has evolved rapidly as vehicles become more powerful and more refined and as demand grows for tyres that can meet the unique requirements of electric vehicles. The iMOVE Sport G2 delivers the performance drivers expect while helping dealers boost inventory flexibility and capture more market share.”

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GRP Ltd, a leading manufacturer of reclaimed rubber, engineering plastics and repurposed polyolefins, has announced the retirement of Virendra Rathod, President of Marketing and Business Development, effective 31 March 2026. Following his retirement, Rathod will no longer be part of the company’s senior management personnel, said the company in its BSE filing.

During a board meeting held on 27 March 2026, the directors formally took note of Rathod’s retirement and recorded their appreciation for his valuable contributions throughout his service with GRP Ltd. His departure marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in the company’s marketing and business development functions.

In a separate leadership change, Jyoti Sancheti has resigned from her role as Company Secretary and Compliance Officer, effective from the close of business on 7 April 2026 to pursue external opportunities. Consequently, she will also step down from additional responsibilities, including Compliance Officer under the SEBI Prohibition of Insider Trading Regulations, Nodal Officer under IEPF rules and the authorised person for determining event materiality and stock exchange disclosures under SEBI Listing Regulations.

GRP Ltd has confirmed that the process to appoint a new Company Secretary is underway and will be completed within the prescribed timeframe.

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Niutech Environment Technology Corporation (Niutech), a China-based company specialising in continuous pyrolysis technology for recycling waste tyres, plastics and oil sludge, marked a major milestone on 24 March 2026 as its majority owned subsidiary, Shandong Hesheng Environment Technology Co., Ltd., broke ground on a significant expansion. This project will add 100,000 tonnes of annual tyre pyrolysis capacity, raising Hesheng’s total processing volume from 60,000 to 160,000 tonnes per year. With this increase, Hesheng becomes the world’s largest operation for collecting, processing and comprehensively utilising scrap tyres through pyrolysis technology.

At the heart of this expansion is Niutech’s latest generation of high capacity, continuous intelligent pyrolysis equipment, which delivers better performance in per unit output, system reliability and automation compared to conventional designs. These improvements are expected to reduce operating costs per tonne and strengthen the overall financial viability of the project. Solving the challenge of large scale, uninterrupted commercial pyrolysis has long been a central goal for the industry. This project proves Niutech’s progress not only in advanced equipment development but also in making continuous pyrolysis practical for widespread industrial use.

On the product quality side, Hesheng has drawn on Niutech’s research capabilities to steadily improve the consistency and performance of its pyrolytic outputs. The tyre derived oil has already earned international certifications, giving it access to demanding global markets. At the same time, through ongoing technical innovation, the pyrolysis carbon black is being upgraded towards standardised, higher value applications. These efforts directly address customer needs for uniform quality, reliable handling and strong application specific performance.

With the circular economy gaining speed worldwide, major tyre producers, chemical companies and material buyers are seeking greater volumes of high-grade pyrolysis oil and carbon black. Once the expanded facility is online, Hesheng will be equipped to meet that demand with stable, large-scale supply of dependable recycled materials. Niutech has also stated that it will continue using its public company strengths in technology and capital to drive further equipment upgrades and broader deployment of pyrolysis systems, supporting global waste tyre recycling and low carbon development.

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Sun Auto Network has expanded its footprint in Southern Indiana and the Greater Louisville market with Carmerica in Sellersburg, Indiana, officially becoming part of the network on 6 April 2026. This integration strengthens Sun Auto’s regional presence while bringing new resources to the local shop. Carmerica will retain its full range of automotive services, including tyre replacement, alignments, brake work, oil changes and preventative maintenance, ensuring that loyal customers continue receiving the same trusted care.

Under Sun Auto’s guidance, Carmerica now benefits from enhanced tools such as round the clock online appointment scheduling and digital vehicle inspections. These additions are backed by Sun Auto’s Driver Commitment, which emphasises clarity, confidence and genuine customer care. The acquisition reflects Sun Auto’s broader growth strategy of partnering with established operators in markets with strong long-term potential and easy customer access.

With over 575 locations nationwide, Sun Auto Network stands as one of the largest independent tyre and automotive service platforms in the country. By combining trusted local brands like Carmerica with the scale and support of a national organisation, Sun Auto continues to build a network rooted in both community reputation and operational excellence.

Rob Kingery, Regional Vice President, said, "This acquisition reflects a disciplined approach to expanding in high-opportunity regional markets where we can build density and deliver a consistent, high-quality experience. Sellersburg helps us deepen our presence in Southern Indiana and better support drivers throughout the Greater Louisville area."

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